A week of peace and quiet had done the city some sorely needed good. The entire inner circle of the now disgraced and former mayor had been located and prosecuted at last. The F.B.I. were doing everything in their power to keep the mayor behind bars, to prosecute Perkins to the furthest extent of the law and were even aiding the country in finding adequate ways to keep deviant criminals properly punished on equal ground as humans. During that week of recovery Lucas made a full recovery, regained his ability to speak, move his arms, walk about and was dutifully able to take Sumo out on his daily walks as if nothing had even happened.

While he kept the brace around his neck to keep his lingering pain to a minimum Lucas showed no other sign of ever being wounded. In the time that he couldn't move about on his own Lucas trusted Connor and Hank to help him whenever he needed it. The two detectives elected to take on rotating half shifts at the precinct to ensure someone was always at the house with Lucas for the first two days of his recovery, then they resumed normal shifts while doing hourly checks on Lucas to ensure he was still doing okay.

The paralysis and overall weakness that Lucas had experienced began to diminish within his first hour back at the house and found his voice shortly afterward. Needing to rest and consume Thirium fairly regularly to ensure his self healing program functioned at maximum capacity left Lucas bored, but he preferred boredom over permanent shutdown or full body paralysis.

During the latest walk with Sumo at the dog park Connor watched as Lucas moved about with little issue and proceeded to throw a few sticks about to play fetch with Sumo and the other dogs in the park. The way Lucas could bend down, pick up sticks and then toss them confirmed he had made a full recovery since he had been shot the week prior. Even so Connor couldn't help but worry about Lucas on a level he couldn't explain.

"We should return to the house soon." Connor suggested as he watched Sumo and a golden retriever playing tug-o-war with a large stick caught between their mouths. "Hank has been very edgy as of late and I don't want him to stress himself out even further with us being away for too long."

"I've noticed that as well." Crouching down Lucas pulled Sumo's leash from his jean pocket and promptly had Sumo sitting down in front of him to let the lead get clipped to his collar again. With Sumo back on the leash Lucas straightened up and held tightly onto the leash with his right hand. "I cannot even begin to theorize the cause of his stress considering there haven't been any further incidents since you arrested Daniel. Has something been happening in the precinct that hasn't been brought to my attention?"

"Nothing beyond our usual caseloads and reports." Walking with his little brother down the sidewalk to head back to the house Connor cybernetically detailed everything that Hank had endured in his lifetime and tried to determine if there was an anniversary of an event that had transpired in Hank's past that had a negative association. Stopping suddenly mid step Connor's blue L.E.D. flickered to yellow and his shoulders slouch. "...Oh."

"Oh?" Stopping as well Lucas turned to look at Connor now standing two paces behind him. "What did you uncover?"

"Tomorrow's date."

"Tomorrow's... date?" Tapping into his own chronometer Lucas noted that particular date and his brow arched inquisitively. "Tomorrow is June 19th, 2038. I don't recall anything significant with that date regarding Hank."

"Not on a professional level, no." As his soulful brown eyes filled with sorrow Connor gave Lucas a somber stare. "Tomorrow is Father's Day."

"O-Oh..."

"It seems Hank is feeling depressed because without Cole in his life the day that is going to be celebrating fatherhood for most of the city is only going to serve as a painful reminder that his son has passed away."

"Perhaps it'd be best for us to return to the brownstone tonight so Hank can be alone tomorrow. I know I prefer to be alone when my emotions become too intense."

"As do I."

Pressing his left hand to the protective brace around his neck Lucas cybernetically made an appointment to see Abby and have the brace removed. "We'll go to the Zeta Facility now to have my neck brace removed so Hank doesn't have to worry about me exasperating my injury by mistake."

"Agreed."

"What about Sumo?"

Looking down at the massive Saint Bernard wagging his tail and panting heavily Connor decided he'd hold on to the leash while Lucas saw Abby. "I'll take care of him in the waiting room or outside the facility depending on the animal policy at the facility. We'll go now and return to the house as soon as possible."

"Very well. We don't want to make Hank worry or cause him undue stress."

The two deviant brothers made it to the Zeta Facility right on schedule and met with Abby in the first available exam room courtesy of Lucas's promptly filed cybernetic appointment booked with Barry. While the kind technician proceeded to examine Lucas's neck to ensure that the plastimetal framing, internal Thirium lines and support columns had all repaired properly, Connor stood in the corner of the room with Sumo sitting obediently at his feet. Instead of keeping Sumo outside as he had initially expected Abby instead invited the Saint Bernard to join them in the exam room so she could give him some attention and de-stress herself after a busy day.

As an animal lover who had become accustomed to either living in a 'no pet' clause apartment or being too busy to take care of a pet Abby took advantage of any opportunity that came her way to give dogs belly rubs and to cuddle with cats. Once she laid eyes on Sumo she all but begged for Sumo to come inside the facility for a while.

"Your neck shows no sign of damage externally." Abby recounted as she ran her hands down the sides of Lucas's neck carefully. Using an internal viewing screen Abby checked on the repairs beneath the artificial skin and framing without having to get invasive. "And it looks like everything is stable internally. How do you feel?"

"Optimal." Replying honestly Lucas made sure Abby knew of his condition. "I have no weakness or pain in any of my limbs or my neck."

"That's what I wanted to hear. Any issues with ventilation or thermal control?"

"No." Lucas let Abby listen to his chest with her audioscope for her own peace of mind as he answered. "I have suffered no complications within my other biocomponents."

"And everything sounds good to me." Draping her audioscope around her neck Abby gave Lucas a smile and motioned for him to slid off the edge of the exam table. "Now, Connor?" Giving the older brother of the two deviants a coy look she used her right index finger to beckon him over to herself. "Your turn."

The comment made Connor's blue L.E.D. flash to yellow with surprise for a beat as he pressed his left palm over his chest. "...Me?"

"Yup. I want to check your Thirium pump regulator while you're here."

"I assure you I've recovered well." Handling the leash over to Lucas to take Connor walked over to the exam table and sat down cooperatively. "I haven't suffered any complication since the repairs."

"Then you should have no reason to deny me a courtesy check-up." Giving Connor a coy smirk Abby directed Connor to lay flat on his back for a moment and lift up his black t-shirt to expose his abdomen. "This won't take long."

Holding still Connor looked over at Lucas his little brother pulled a dog treat from his jean pocket and offered it to Sumo for being a good dog. "Perhaps if we tell Hank that we were both given examinations by Abby and cleared without any sign of further problem it'll help reduce Hank's stress."

"That's a good idea." Crouching down beside Sumo to be eye level with the dog Lucas rubbed Sumo's chin and ears softly. "If anything it'll be a positive addition to your personnel file at the precinct by taking the initiative on your health."

Abby finished scanned Connor's abdomen with the internal viewing screen and let the deviant detective sit upright again. "All right, you're both good to go. And finally..." Crouching down as well Abby opened up her arms and invited Sumo over for some attention. "Let me see you!"

Happy to have more attention and love Sumo plodded over to Abby and let her wrap her arms around his neck and then rub all over his chin and ears before laying down and rolling on to his back to let Abby rub his belly.

"It seems Sumo likes you." Connor observed casually as he pulled his shirt back down over his torso. "I'm not surprised."

"Never met a dog or cat I didn't get along with." Keeping her right hand on Sumo's belly Abby smirked at the massive dog wagging his tail about in a rapid, sweeping motion over the floor. "Can I ask what's going on with Hank, or is that too personal?"

"Hank is merely under emotional duress due to tomorrow being Father's Day."

"Oh. I didn't know Hank had kids."

"He..." Trailing off for a moment Connor looked to Lucas for a moment for silent approval before he returned his focus to Abby. "Hank had one son who passed away four years ago."

"Oh... Oh, no." Giving Connor a truly sympathetic glance Abby could only imagine what Hank was going through. "Poor guy."

"Tomorrow Lucas and I are going to return to the brownstone to give Hank some space."

"Wait, you're both going to leave Hank by himself on Father's Day?"

"Yes. Whenever Hank feels stressed emotionally he prefers to be left alone."

"But on Father's Day? You shouldn't leave him alone. You should do something nice for him so he doesn't feel bad tomorrow."

The suggestion was logical and yet Connor didn't quite understand the idea. "Such as what?"

"You know Hank better than I do." Flashing Connor a bright smirk Abby rubbed Sumo's chin as she tried to give the still learning deviant some advice. "And my dad died when I was still really young, so I can't give you any suggestions on what to do from my own experience."

"Very well. What do people normally do to celebrate Father's Day?"

"Some people take their fathers out to dinner or have a little get-together at the house. Some people give small gifts or cards to show affection. And those who live far away from their fathers will take the time to call their fathers and talk. There's really no right or wrong way to show your father appreciation on Father's Day. You know," a casual shrug of her shoulders conveyed her rather laidback attitude. "as long as you don't insult him or make him feel old."

"Hank isn't easily offended and he's already aware of his advanced age."

Laughing at the sweetly naive comment Abby pulled her hands away from Sumo's fur and shook her head. "I'm so glad that I know you're a deviant and not secret three five-year-olds stacked on each other's shoulders trying to pretend to be an adult."

"That... was an oddly specific comment."

"You're odd, too." Holding up her hands as she rose to her feet Abby made it clear she was just joking. "No offense!"

"No offense taken." Looking to Lucas again Connor tilted his head curiously and looked to his little brother for advice. "Maybe we should try to redirect Hank's focus from something negative regarding Father's Day and give him something more positive to consider."

"That's worth attempting." Walking over to Sumo as he laid on his back in the middle of the floor Lucas picked up the dropped leash and prompted Sumo to get back up to his paws. "Tonight we can try talking to Hank and determine what's really on his mind."

"Good idea." Sliding off the exam table Connor gave Abby a quick nod as he and Lucas headed toward the doorway with Sumo leading the way. "Thank you for your assistance, Abby."

"No problem." Walking over to the sink on the far wall Abby proceeded to wash the dog fur off her hands for sanitary purposes before she saw her next patient that day. "Take care of each other and Hank. You'll figure out what to do by tomorrow morning, I'm sure of it."

The return to the house after going on a walk and impromptu check-up was met with a lukewarm reception from Hank. The senior detective was sulking about the house in his old jeans and faded gray 'Knights of the Black Death' t-shirt with the odor of beer hanging over him like a thick fog. Breaking a seven month sobriety streak Hank threw the empty glass beer bottle into the recycling bin to rest next to the other two empty bottles, and dropped down at the kitchen table to try to be alone with his thoughts. Such an attempt was made impossible since the two deviants were watching Hank from the livingroom without saying anything about the way he was behaving.

Wisely keeping their distance from Hank for the moment Connor and Lucas sat side by side on the couch and kept Sumo beside them. The very idea of getting too close to Hank at the moment was one that both deviants knew would end in disaster.

'His vital signs are relatively unstable.' Lucas noted as he stayed on the couch and rubbed his right hand over Sumo's ears gently. 'He shouldn't be drinking alcohol and needs to rest.'

'Agreed.' Taking the initiative Connor decided to handle Hank on his own to try to reason with Hank. 'You should take Sumo and return to the brownstone. It'd be best if I spoke to Hank alone.'

'Why alone?'

'I've endured his anger before and I know how to speak to him while he's angry. You've only just begun to adapt to his personality on a more positive level, and I don't want you to endure something negative that would undermine all the progress you've made together.'

'I think I understand.' Standing up from the couch Lucas made his way to the front door of the house and quietly took Sumo's leash from the hook beside the door. Crouching down Lucas summoned Sumo over without a word and returned the leash to the large Saint Bernard's collar. 'I'll return to the brownstone and await an update. If you wish for me to return to the house I will.'

'I'm certain I can handle this.' Giving his little brother a nod Connor confirmed that he'd talk to Hank alone. 'I'll let you know what happens.'

Without another word Lucas quietly opened the front door and led Sumo outside to head back to the brownstone. Unsure of what was about to happen Lucas trusted his older brother to figure out what they could do to help Hank.

Rising from the couch Connor entered the kitchen and stood before the small table to stare at Hank for a moment and assessed the senior detective's overall demeanor and vital signs.

...INFORMATION:

NAME: Henry "Hank" Lucas Anderson

CURRENT AGE: 53

DATE OF BIRTH: September 6th, 1985

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6' 02" ; 182.4 lbs

COMPLEXION: Caucasian

GENDER: Male

HAIR/EYES: Gray - formerly brunette ; Blue

OCCUPATION: Lieutenant -Detective with the Detroit Police Department: Detroit, Michigan; United States of America

ASSOCIATION(S): Active Lieutenant with Detroit Central Precinct

MARITAL STATUS: Married then Divorced - Melinda Anne Osmond; May 22nd, 2003 - May 23rd, 2003

[...Remarried and Widowed - Barbara Marie Lowell; June 15th, 2026 - April 23rd, 2032

CHILDREN: Cole Lucas Anderson - DECEASED: September 23rd, 2029 - October 11th, 2035

...VITAL SIGNS:

HEART RATE: 104 B.P.M. - Mild tachycardia present

BLOOD PRESSURE: 130/80

RESPIRATION: 22 R.P.M.

TEMPERATURE: 99.7 Degrees Fahrenheit

WARNING:

[...Blood Alcohol Level: 0.11%]

[...Immediate rehydration recommended]

Dismissing the data from his vision Connor stood before Hank and watched as the older man sat slumped at the kitchen table with unshed teas in his blue eyes and a stern mask of cold frustration on his face. The shaggy locks of gray hair were hanging loose over Hank's face barely concealing the rosy tint to his cheeks and his nose from consuming three beers so quickly. As the senior detective slumped over the table and stared into nothingness it was apparent that he was feeling the effects of the alcohol in his blood and the unspoken emotions in his heart.

"Hank?" Approaching the table slowly Connor waited for the drunken detective to raise his bloodshot gaze upward to look him in the eyes. "You look tired and should get some rest."

"...N-Not tired." Taking in a deep breath Hank let out a small hiccup as his glassy eyes struggled to focus on Connor's face. "Jus'... Jus' thinking."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Nope." Standing up quickly Hank swayed a little on his feet as he turned around and pulled open the door to the refrigerator with a firm yank. "I wan' anudder beer!"

"You've had enough beer."

"Don' tell me h-how much I 'kehn haff' to drink!" Slurring and stammering as he spoke Hank snatched the fourth bottle of beer from the cardboard container that was once a full six pack, and struggled to remove the metal cap from the glass bottle. "Fuckin' android."

Ignoring the blatant attempt to insult him Connor carefully walked over to Hank and put his left hand over the cap of the bottle to keep Hank from opening it up to drink. "Stop."

"Don' tell me whut to do!"

"Hank, you're drunk."

"So fucking whut!?" Snatching his beer away from Connor's hand Hank stumbled to the side to get away from the mindful deviant and into the livingroom to get a little drunker. "I 'kehn do whut I want!"

"Hank, I said 'stop'."

"Fuck off!"

Struggling with the metal cap on the glass bottle Hank's inebriated hands shook and fumbled causing the bottle to fall from his hands and shatter on the wooden floor at his feet.

"Ah, fuck!" Dropping down to his knees Hank made a grab for the lost beer and proceeded to cut up his fingers on the shards glass soaked in the beer. "SHIT! FUCK!"

"Hank, stop!" Shouting Connor grabbed onto Hank's right bicep and pulled him up to his feet and away from the dangerous glass and spilled beer. "That's enough! You're hurting yourself."

"Fuck you!" Pushing his bloody hands against Connor's chest Hank tried to force the deviant to step back but Connor was too strong to be shoved away by some already so drunk. "Get away from me!"

"After I get your hands-"

"Don't fuckin' touch me!" Falling backward Hank almost spilled over the couch but Connor grabbed on to his forearms and pulled him back up to his feet. "I said..." In a drunken stupor Hank weakly punched the right side of Connor's face to try to get Connor to back off. "Get away!"

Letting go of Hank's arms Connor rubbed his left palm over his right cheek where he had been struck as his L.E.D. settled on a persistent yellow glow. "No. I won't let you push me away."

"Whut do you care?!" Growling as clumsily fell back enough to sit down on the armrest of the couch Hank tried and failed to be intimidating. "Yer' jus' a piece of plastic! Yer' not a human! You don' know anything!"

"I may not be a human but I can feel emotions and understand when someone is angry and lashing out."

"Oh, fuck you! Y-You think yer' so smart? H-Haff' everything figured out, huh?"

"No, but I-"

"You haff' no idea whut I'm feeling!" Getting up to his feet Hank pushed Connor again to try to get Connor to leave him alone. "You don' know whut it's like to see other people celebrating their lives wiff' their families! You don' know the pain of loozing a child! You don' know whut it's like to looze your family! You don' haff' one and never will!"

Something about that final remark was enough to make Connor's heart clench in his chest as his L.E.D. cycled to a blood red. Seeing the way Hank was purposefully trying to lash out at him and offend him wasn't something that Connor was going to take personally, but it wouldn't be something he'd forget.

"You're right about two of those things." Bending down Connor grabbed onto Hank's right arm and pulled the senior detective up and over his left shoulder to carry him down the hallway. Ignoring Hank's vulgar complaints and attempts to squirm away Connor managed to carry Hank into the bathroom and place him down in the bathtub. "I've never known the pain of losing a child or what it's like to celebrate family events." Turning on the shower Connor watched as Hank tried to climb out of the tub but the water, his bloodied hands and drunken stupor made it impossible. "But I do have a family."

Swearing and putting up his hands to shield himself from the cold water pouring over him Hank inadvertently washed the blood and glass from the cuts on his fingers and palms. "Fuckin- TURN IT OFF! Fuck!"

"Not until you've sobered up."

"Fuck you!"

Turning on the water to a higher pressure Connor stood back and watched as Hank slowly began to calm down and stopped trying to get up. Carefully monitoring Hank's vital signs Connor didn't let Hank's temperature drop down to a hypothermic degree and made sure his heartbeat didn't enter a dangerous arrhythmia.

Once Hank had calmed down Connor turned off the water and handed Hank a soft, white towel to dry off with. "I know humans struggle with anniversaries revolving around misfortune but it isn't an excuse to behave so abhorrently."

"Fuckin'..." Holding the towel in his still bleeding hands Hank sighed and pressed the still clean fabric of the towel over his face. "What the fuck, kid?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Turning his back to Hank the deviant knelt down in front of the sink and pulled out the first-aid kit to tend to Hank's wounded hands to keep infection at bay. Opening the kit Connor placed another towel down over the edge of the bathtub and sat down on it so he could take care of Hank's hands without getting his own clothes wet in the process. "Let me see your hands."

Seemingly gaining his senses and really thinking since Connor returned to the house Hank slowly raised his hands and allowed Connor to clean out the deep cuts on his fingers and palms. "Jeezus, this has happened twice now." As he spoke his words began to sober up and the slurring ended. "You throwing me in the tub and sobering me up, I mean."

Retracting the artificial skin from his hands Connor used the sterilized plastimetal frame to treat Hank's wounds in favor of wearing gloves. "It should've stopped after one."

"Yeah..." Letting out a sudden hiss of pain Hank felt Connor extracting the small bits of glass from his hands and rinsing out the painful cuts with rubbing alcohol. In a way Hank was grateful to feel the pain as it meant he wasn't as drunk as he had been. "You're right."

Concentrating on Hank's hands Connor proceeded to wrap up the now disinfected wounds with clean white gauze to keep Hank's hands to keep the lacerations covered.

"...What I said about you not understanding or having a fam-"

"I know." Cutting Hank off mid sentence Connor taped the thick gauze into place and proceeded to monitor the bleeding through the bandages as he contemplated taking Hank into the E.R. to receive stitches. "I have Lucas. He's my family even if most humans would disagree with such a notion."

"You're right about that, too. Lucas is your brother." Sitting more upright in the tub Hank sighed and looked at his bandaged hands for a moment before he even tried to reach for Connor's left shoulder with his right hand. The thick gauze limited Hank's grip as he tried to hang on to the deviant's shoulder. "But he's not the only family you have."

The comment made Connor pause for a moment as he packed up the first-aid kit to be put away. "Yes, I'm aware of our relationship with Ethan as well."

"Kid, you have more than just your two brothers." Utilizing all of his strength Hank stood up on his shaking legs and then slowly sat down on the edge of the tub beside Connor for a moment. Feeling the icy drops of water trailing down from his hair and down his neck kept Hank entirely alert despite all the alcohol still in his system. "I know I was just a huge prick to you, and evidently I was bad enough before I started shouting to get Lucas and Sumo to take off, but I do care about you two. Having you two around has been a great change for me and even though I fucked up today I've been much better than I had been in the past."

"Are you saying that we're... family, too?"

"I am, son. And I'm sorry for getting drunk and trying to... Fuck." Slumping down Hank bowed his head forehead and closed his eyes as the full weight of what he did settled in with a crushing feeling. "I'm just sorry. I let myself get drunk and I'm taking out my anger on you because I can't deal with a fuckin' date on the fuckin' calendar."

"You're upset because the date brings up negative memories for you. It's understandable to feel so strongly about it."

"Doesn't give me a reason to get drunk and try to push you around. It's just so fucked up knowing that tomorrow's a holiday I can't celebrate anymore."

With his L.E.D. now back on yellow Connor could hear and see the regret in Hank's voice. "You just stated that you consider Lucas and I your family. Wouldn't that make you our..." Trailing off for a moment Connor had to force himself to say the word. "Father?"

"I don't deserve the chance to be a father again." Using the towel Hank wiped off his face and felt his breath hitch in his chest. "I've made too many damn mistakes to have that opportunity again. You and Lucas deserve to call someone better than me such an honorary title. Someone who doesn't fuck everything up because I'm too damn weak to handle my own problems."

"You've taught Lucas and myself that mistakes do not have to define us. The same can be said for you."

"Not after everything I've fucked up. Hell, you two would be better off finding another guy to ask for advice from. Someone who isn't a total failure at life."

"That's not true. Everyone deserves a second chance. You gave me the chance to prove myself as someone better than a heartless machine, and you were willing to give Lucas the chance to prove the same thing. In return Lucas and I were willing to give you the chance to show yourself as the kindhearted person you were trying to destroy with alcohol and anger. You've succeeded."

Laughing a little at the remark Hank shook his head and dropped the damp towel at his feet. "Sounds like I just wasted my second chance with you guys."

"Not necessarily. I'd also like to point out the fact that even though I'm a deviant that I'm still an android at my most basic level. So by all account you're still a father even if Cole..." Doing his best to be gentle as he spoke Connor tried to give Hank a comforting thought. "You two have been separated but that doesn't mean your relationship is gone. You're still his father and he's still your son. Nothing will ever change that."

Hearing such a wonderful notion was enough to make Hank breakdown entirely and begin quietly sobbing into his bandaged hands.

Sitting beside Hank for a while longer Connor wrapped his left arm around Hank's shoulders and pulled the senior detective up against his side in a supportive and comforting half hug. "I'm not mad at you or disappointed, Hank. I'm just worried that you're going to fall into previous bad habits and I don't want to see you in any pain."

Not saying another word Hank just wept as the memories of his lost firstborn son ached in his heart with a relentless pain he couldn't seem to escape.

Holding Hank at his side Connor's L.E.D. settled on blue as he knew that Hank's behavior wasn't the end of their friendship and was merely a bump in the road as they continued to learn more about each other and develop as individuals. As far as Connor was concerned the events of Hank's drunken relapse was just a reminder that no matter how strong a person looked they can still have weaknesses, and still need a helping hand from time to time.

The night remained quiet after Connor managed to lead Hank to bed and let him sleep off his residual drunkenness. Staying the night at the house Connor proceeded to clean up the broken beer bottle on the livingroom floor and contemplated throwing out the other three beers, but ultimately decided that was Hank's responsibility to make. Keeping a close eye on Hank as the senior detective slept Connor was relieved to see that Hank's vital signs had improved, he had sobered up, had willingly drunk some water and was now resting peacefully in his bed. The wounds in Hank's hands had continued to bleed for a while after Connor bandaged them, but eventually stopped bleeding after Hank settled down to sleep.

Peering through the partially opened bedroom door into the dark room Connor barely heard the sound of the front door opening as Lucas returned to the house with Sumo. The eventful night was relayed to Lucas cybernetically after Hank went to sleep and Lucas was eager to help Hank get back on his feet as soon as possible.

'How is he?' Relying on cybernetic contact to keep their voices hushed Lucas joined Connor in the hallway while Sumo went to his pillow to lay down in the livingroom. 'He seems stable.'

'He is stable. He went to sleep without a fight and is still resting.' Turning to face his little brother Connor gave Lucas a somber stare. 'Were you able to locate what we requested?'

'Yes. It's on the coffee table in the livingroom.'

'Good. After Hank awakens we'll check on his hands and keep him company for the rest of the day.'

'Very well. Since I walked Sumo to the brownstone last night and back here this morning Sumo's effectively had his walk already. We can also take time away from cases in favor of taking care of Hank.'

Walking with Lucas back down the hallway and into the livingroom Connor eyed the white box with the gift for Hank hidden inside. Making the last minute request wasn't easy but Connor was able to find a shop willing to handle the purchase and the inscription in time for the holiday. Unsure if they crossed a line or not Connor hesitated in asking Lucas if the gift was created in such a way that it matched every necessary detail as they believed appropriate.

From down the hallway Hank's bedroom door opened and he trudged down the hallway and into the bathroom. The sound of the door being quickly 'slammed' shut followed by Hank throwing-up echoed throughout the house in an unnerving way.

"He is hungover." Connor needlessly stated as he and Lucas sat down together on the couch. "Hopefully he'll only need to drink some water to properly rehydrate and won't need to see a doctor about his hands."

"As long as his hands do not begin to bleed again I believe he'll be able to avoid the hospital." More vomiting filled the house and made Sumo whine once sympathetically as he heard the sound from where he had been laying on his pillow. "I'll get some water for Hank to drink."

"And I'll make sure he doesn't need any assistance."

Walking down the hallway and toward the bathroom door Connor slowly opened the door and saw Hank standing up and leaning heavily against the sink with his eyes closed while enduring a nasty headache. The bandages on Hank's hands were still white and clean indicated that the lacerations beneath hadn't reopened during his bout of sickness.

Putting his left hand lightly on Hank's right shoulder Connor flushed away the sickness and then proceeded to guide Hank into the livingroom to rest. "Sit down on the couch." Connor requested in a whisper to keep Hank's headache from getting worse. Helping Hank to sit down on the center cushion of the couch Connor watched as Lucas handed Hank a bottle of cool water to drink and rehydrate. "We know you're feeling ill and need to sleep, but Lucas and I want you to have something to positively commemorate this day before you return to bed."

Blinking his glassy blue eyes slowly Hank looked at the white box sitting in the middle of the coffee table waiting for him to open it. "Is it a swift kick in the ass? I could really use one of those right about now."

"No." Picking up the box from the coffee table Connor placed it on Hank's lap while Lucas forced the bottle of water into Hank's right hand. Waiting for Hank to drink some of the cool water Connor sat down to Hank's left while Lucas sat down on his right. "This is something better and far less violent."

"You two are way too kind." Finishing off the water in a long gulp Hank sighed and winced as even the simple motions made his hands ache under the still clean white bandages. "Uh..." Holding up his hands Hank gave Connor a pitiful look that was rather uncharacteristic for someone of Hank's strength. "Help?"

"Yes, of course." Taking back the box Connor opened the lid and revealed the gift contained within. A large glass sculpture - roughly the size of a football, oval in shape and three inches thick, was mounted on a black wooden pedestal the size of a deck of playing cards. The front of the glass surface had a simple inscription written out in pristine calligraphy of Connor and Lucas's choosing. "It's not much, but we thought this would be appropriate for you to have."

Hank stared at the inscription on the glass surface and felt his eyes water as he read it out loud. "'It is not flesh and blood, but the heart that makes us fathers and sons'. - Johann Friedrich von Schiller. That's one hell of a quote."

Lucas spoke up and pressed his right index fingertip to the back of the offered gift's pedestal. "We also included this."

With the swift press of a hidden button a digital image of Cole's picture appeared within the glass and behind the words engraved over the surface. The smiling face of the innocent little boy shined through and greeted Hank's tired eyes with a warm light.

Carefully Hank held on to the offered gift with his bandaged hands and pressed it against his chest as he began to silently weep once more for his lost son.

Connor nervously broke the silence. "We apologize if-"

"No..." Hank took in a deep breath and gave Connor a gracious smirk. "You two did nothing wrong." Turning to look at Lucas beside him Hank shared the same smirk with the second deviant. "This is... This is something very special. And I appreciate it."

Lightly Connor wrapped his left arm around Hank's shoulders again as he spoke. "If it's not inappropriate to say: Happy Father's Day, Hank."

Closing his eyes Hank just silently nodded at the sweet remark. Feeling Lucas wrap his right arm around his shoulders as well Hank knew that he was in the company of two incredibly big hearted and compassionate deviants. He couldn't possibly be any more grateful to have the deviant brothers in his life as they showed him the same kindness and understanding that he tried to show to Cole during the little boy's far too short life.

Letting the two deviants hug him as he hugged the image of Cole to his chest Hank didn't even try to hide his tears as se expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, sons. For everything."

-next chapter-